Mice fed a ketogenic diet were better able to combat the flu virus than mice fed food high in carbohydrates, according to a new Yale University study published Nov. 15 in the journal Science Immunology. The ketogenic diet-which for people includes meat, fish, poultry, and non-starchy vegetables-activates a subset of T cells in the lungs not previously associated with the immune system's response to influenza, enhancing mucus production from airway cells that can effectively trap the virus, the researchers report. Akiko Iwasaki, the Waldemar Von Zedtwitz Professor of Immunobiology and Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, and an investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The research project was the brainchild of two trainees-one working in Iwasaki's lab and the other with co-senior author Visha Deep Dixit, the Waldemar Von Zedtwitz Professor of Comparative Medicine and of Immunobiology. Ryan Molony worked in Iwasaki's lab, which had found that immune system activators called inflammasomes can cause harmful immune system responses in their host. Emily Goldberg worked in Dixit's lab, which had shown that the ketogenic diet blocked formation of inflammasomes. The two wondered if diet could affect immune system response to pathogens such as the flu virus. They showed that mice fed a ketogenic diet and infected with the influenza virus had a higher survival rate than mice on a high-carb normal diet. Specifically, the researchers found that the ketogenic diet triggered the release of gamma delta T cells, immune system cells that produce mucus in the cell linings of the lung-while the high-carbohydrate diet did not.
Two scoops is considered one serving and provides 140 calories, 9 grams of fat, 4 grams of carbs, and 10 grams of protein. Made with two grams of coconut sugar per serving for added sweetness, this plant-based coffee creamer comes in a powder form. The powder only blends easily in hot liquids, so it may not be the best option for iced coffee. The serving size is a little smaller, only 2 teaspoons. Each serving contains 30 calories, 2 grams of fat, 3 grams of carbs, and no protein. Left Coast Performance Keto Coffee Creamer comes unflavored or in cacao. It contains MCT oil, coconut oil, grass-fed ghee butter, and cocoa butter (only in the cacao flavor). You will need to use a blender with this one! Each tablespoon serving contains 120 calories, 4 grams of fat, and no carbs or protein. With flavors like salted caramel, pumpkin spice, and vanilla you can have a little more variety with your morning cup of coffee. This sugar-free creamer contains grass-fed ghee, coconut oil, MCT oil, and stevia powder for a little extra sweetness. You will have to get the blender out for this one.
One tablespoon serving contains 120 calories, 14 grams of fat, and no carbs or protein. Full-fat coconut milk can also be one of your keto coffee creamers! Because it is naturally low in carbs and high in fat, it would make a great addition to your coffee. Since it comes in a can you have it ready to go in your pantry, just give the can a good shake before opening. Store in the refrigerator after it has been opened. Flavored with French Vanilla, this vegan creamer is sugar-free and does not require refrigeration until after it is opened. It has several clean certifications including free of carrageenan (a thickener) and OU Kosher. It contains 10 calories per serving while providing 1 gram of fat and 0 grams of carbs and protein. Heavy whipping cream can also be a keto creamer for coffee! Heavy cream meets the requirement for a good keto coffee addition because it is naturally high in fat and low in carbohydrates.
A tablespoon contains 50 calories, 5 grams of fat, less than 1 gram of carbs, and 1 gram of protein. Is Natural Bliss Creamer Keto-Friendly? Studying the nutritional facts label to determine if something is keto-friendly can take time, but it is worth it. Many of the Natural Bliss Creamer options contain added sugars, which is what you want to avoid when choosing a coffee creamer on a keto diet. However, one of their Natural Bliss options, Unsweetened Plant-Based Half and Half, would be ok to include in a ketogenic diet. It is made with coconut milk, almond milk, and coconut oil and contains no added sugar. Is Half and Half Creamer Keto Friendly? Half and half will be lower in fat and higher in carbohydrates compared to using heavy cream. In a two-tablespoon serving of half and half, there is only one gram of carbohydrate, which is still pretty low.
You could use half and half, but you would want to make sure you are counting that carbohydrate for your daily total. With all of the other coffee creamer options available, half and half wouldn’t be the best choice. Thankfully, you don’t have to skip the creamer in your coffee just because you are on a keto diet! It’s easy to find brands that are made specifically for keto diets, but those are not your only options. Just remember that in order to stay in ketosis, you will need to choose something that is high in fat and contains minimal to no carbohydrates. Luckily all the options above meet the criteria and can satisfy all coffee lovers’ taste and diet preferences. 1. Paoli, A et al. “Beyond weight loss: a review of the therapeutic uses of very-low-carbohydrate (ketogenic) diets.” European journal of clinical nutrition vol. 3. Goday, A et al. “Short-term safety, tolerability and efficacy of a very low-calorie-ketogenic diet interventional weight loss program versus hypocaloric diet in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.” Nutrition & diabetes vol. 4. D C Harvey, Cliff J, et al. Hannah is a registered dietitian and freelance nutrition writer. She has several years of experience working with clients to help them achieve their health goals. Her background includes sports nutrition, research, weight management, and bariatric nutrition. In her spare time, Hannah enjoys cooking, running, and spending time with her family.
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